So where does the name Hardman of 28s come from?

I started riding road with Dulwich Hill Cycle Club in Sydney. As a beginner I joined the Saturday Slowies ride out from Marrickville to Centennial Park (where we did a few laps) and then back. From there I stepped up to the Waterfall ride, a rolling 76 km ride from Marrickville to Waterfall and back (no massive climbs but there was 500 m of vertical on the trip). Initially I rode with a bunch that aimed to average 25 kph, then several months later stepped up to the 28 kms group (the 28s). There were two more advanced groups - the middies (who average around 31 kph) and the fasties (who averaged 35+).

I never progressed beyond the 28s. So very middle of the road. Just to give people perspective, there were probably about 40 regulars spread across the middies and fasties. I was though one of the stronger regular 28s. I think once, very tongue in cheek, I was described as the hardman of the 28s. A backhanded compliment at best. It's a bit like being the second toughest in the infants.

I quite like the term though - it screams mediocrity.  Hence the blog name.